The Connection

Association of Administrative Professionals

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

CCAP Corner...............................2 Program Corner...........................3 Social Media ...............................4 National AGM..............................6 Charity of Choice.........................6 Upcoming Events........................7 Career Coach Corner..................9 Reminders.................................12 2018-2019 Calendar..................13 Contacts....................................14

February 15, 2019 WINTER EDITION

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Canadian Certified Administrative

Professional

Happy Winter!

Snow falls, days brighten, activity slowly begins to move the next

beautiful day forward! Children excited about what lies ahead as each

day starts. New beginnings, new goals, new challenges, new friends,

Happy New Year!

Moving through 2019 we can only hope that what we strive for comes to

fruition. Hard work, dedication, commitment, enthusiasm and positive

energy will provide a strong path for success in all that we are looking to

achieve.

Every year I make my own personal goals, unfortunately not all of my

goals get crossed off my master list. With the ever changing

environment and the constant routine with my family life, I do my very

best to accomplish what is in the 'here and now' category first. As with

every profession, things come up and need to be followed through as

soon as possible - not always allowing us to do what is scheduled for that

day or even for that week. Putting things on the back burner is for a

reason - however getting to that back burner also needs that extra push

to bring it forward. Taking baby steps always seems to allow for things to

happen naturally providing that anticipated end result.  

This year will be full of exciting new things. We may not know what they

are yet, however as every year, life is full of surprises! Make this a

wonderful year for you, your family, and for your profession. Remember

that we meet so many beautiful people along our journey and each and

every one of them make us who we are today! I am very proud to be part

of this journey with the AAP and look forward to continuing to meet

beautiful people who surround this ever evolving profession.

Wishing you all a fruitful and joyous 2019 year ahead!

Kind regards,

Hugs

Erika

CCAP Corner

.

HAPPYBIRTHDAY

To all our members

celebrating a birthday this

month.

2

Preethi Balasubramanian

Linda Nikolaou

Suzy Batista

Sarah Lyons

Sandra John-Baptiste

Concetta Parent

"

Canadian Certified Administrative Professional

We are happy to announce that we continue to gain interest in our Canadian Certified Administrative Professional (CCAP) designation offered in over 25 post secondary institutions across Canada. Our CCAP Graduation luncheon is taking place this year in Niagara-on-the-Lake at the Prince of Wales Hotel with a guest speaker from McMaster University. If you are in the graduating class this year, please remember to forward all of your transcripts to our Registrar as per our website. For all of the students graduating this year on June 1st, the re-certification program will begin shortly thereafter. Congratulations to all of the students currently enrolled in our program and those graduating in June. Your dedication to your continued education is widely appreciated. Thank you!

"Motivation is what gets you started.  Commitment is what keeps you going." 

Jim Rohn

“No matter how plain a woman may be, if truth and honesty are written across her face, she will

be beautiful.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt

Always do right – this will satisfy some and astonish the rest.

 -  Mark TwainVisit exceptionalea.com and keep up to date on

Administrative Professionals everywhere.

EA Connection

Program Corner

Location:  Canadiana Restaurant, 5230 Dundas Street West, Etobicoke

Speaker Series Title: "BRIDGING THE GAP" Date & Time: November 20, 2018 @ 6:30 pm

Guest speaker: Jackie Monahan

3

It was with great pleasure to hear Jackie Monahan speak on Intergenerational

Diversity on November 20th at the Canadiana Restaurant in Etobicoke as part of our

guest speaker series program.

With attendees at two tables, two groups were formed to read and review a few

scenarios within the workplace that affects our intergenerational diversity within

the workplace. Today, we experience not only a number of new technologies coming

within our employment environment, but we are also experiencing a wider

generational gap with the increase in hiring younger employees. Baby boomers,

generation x, y, millennials and z all have work ethics, morals and values that differ.

Generational characteristics may define how these groups react to certain leadership styles.  When

speaking with a baby boomer for example, they would regard loyalty and trust as an important leadership

value, whereas a millennial may find they do not trust anyone but their friends and may resign if they

were upset or unhappy with their current leadership. Generational diversity teaches us how to think

about our reactions to communication received and the perceptions therein. Acceptance and bringing our

unique abilities forward, provides positive results when working collaboratively. We learn and grow from

each other. Thank you Jackie for sharing your evening with us.

Date & Time: December 2, 2018 @ 10:30 am

ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY

Location:  Old Mill Toronto, 21 Old Mill Road, Toronto

On Sunday, December 2nd, members and guests gathered

at the Old Mill Restaurant to celebrate the upcoming

holiday season. A wonderfully tasting brunch buffet, great

conversation and a game to make you laugh and listen very

carefully, followed by a surprise gift for each to open!

Celebrating this glorious holiday season with fellow

members and guests reminds us of the friendships we have

made throughout the years, the travel experiences we have

taken, and the continued educational sessions we have

participated in.

Program Corner

Location:  Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto

                    Astellas Rm #190, 11th Fl., Peter Munk Building

Speaker Series Title: Resumes vs. Linkedin Profiles:  What You Need to Know Date & Time: January 23, 2019 @ 6:30 pm

Guest speaker: Lisa Trudel

4

(Continued)

“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting

people up.” - John Holmes

Minutes Solutions Inc. is looking for part-time minute takers in

Toronto, Downtown, Aurora, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Markham,

Mississauga, Scarborough, and other areas.

TYPE: Freelance / Sub-Contract / Part-Time

WHEN: Daytime and Evening, Monday to Thursday, Minimum 12

Month Commitment - training will be provided.

Please provide a cover letter and resume to

info@minutessolutions.com. Applications without a resume and

cover letter will not be considered.

**Laptop is necessary **Ability to commute is necessary

Employment Opportunities

Back by popular demand, we had the pleasure of hearing Lisa Trudel at our most

recent guest speaker program series event downtown. Lisa reminded us of what

we needed to know about LinkedIn vs resumes. There are subtle changes

between the two, making sure you customize for each avenue. LinkedIn may be

the one avenue that employers search when seeking employment opportunity

candidates in the future.

She has shared an article within this edition for your reading pleasure. Thank

you Lisa for sharing your expertise.

The Toronto Charter Branch is looking to expand their social media

platform. Anca, our Media Coordinator, welcomes you to join us on our

Linkedin page.  For us to be more visible and promote our Association it

is necessary for us to share our history and upcoming events to those

in our profession.

TCB Social Media - Are you Connected?

Program Corner

5

(Continued)

In Memorium

"January 1987

What the National Board Means to Me:

One of your goals as a Member of the Association of Administrative Assistants would be to become a Member of the

National Board.

I joined this Association back in the '60's starting out with the Toronto West Branch and working my way up through

the Executive. I then transferred to Toronto Charter Branch and again took office on the Executive with a view up the

road to being on the National Board. When my term came, I felt very comfortable and proud to be part of this

Executive.

It is to your advantage to have worked your way up through the Executive of a Branch before taking a responsible

office on the National Board. A thorough knowledge of the Association itself and the background you pick up through

the Branches is certainly an asset.

The National Board has a full Executive just as the Branches, and it is their Challenge to make this Association

attractive to all persons wishing to further their education, 'climb the ladder of success', meet with persons across the

country, exchange ideas and form a lasting friendship with their peers.

Members of the National Board are elected by total membership of the individual Branches at the Annual Meeting held

in May.

On the National Board are two Directors, one for the East and one for the West. These Directors meet with the Branch

Presidents in their area before the National Board meetings to discuss Branch events, recommendations, changes in

policy, fees, etc. Branch Presidents meet with their own Executive to discuss matters that the individual members have

put forward.

So you see, as a Member of this Association, the way to become an active participant is to take on an Executive office

through becoming a Member on a Committee. Don't sit back and let others do it for you. It is to your advantage to

become a working member of this Association. It is called a 'learning experience'. If you are working toward a 'career'

you should take this opportunity to 'work up the ladder to success'.

Members who join and don't become involved do not reach their full potential. It is only through your participation that

you make your way in life. Take the initiative, become an active Member of your Branch Executive and work your way

up the National Board."

Submitted by Betty Cruickshank, Toronto Charter Branch

Betty Lou Cruickshank – April 1930 – January 2019 (88 years)

May she Rest In Peace

It is with great sadness that one of our long standing members of the Toronto Charter

Branch has recently passed away. Betty Lou participated on the Executive for many

years in various positions - Treasurer, Secretary and Program Chair are just a few.

She was forward thinking, caring and a very beautiful person inside and out.

I found this article she wrote back in 1987 for The Connection and would like to share

it with you. It was type written and sits on the first page of the "Association of

Administrative Assistants - Toronto Charter Branch" newsletter.

Program Corner National Annual General Meeting (NAGM) May 29 -June 1, 2019

6

(Continued)

Community Give Back - 2018-2019 Charity of Choice

This season the Toronto Charter Branch is supporting Haven on the Queensway. This not for

profit organization provides many avenues of support throughout the community. For example:

Family Services - Food Bank, Clothing Boutique, Children's Books, Newborn Services; Recovery &

Rehabilitation - 12 Step Program, Alcohol Anonymous, Exit the Sex Trade, Sexual Exploitation

Victim Support; Beyond Our Walls - Community Dinners, Senior Services, Hope with Wheels,

Inmate Rehabilitation; and, Seasonal Services - School Supplies, Thanksgiving Dinner,

Emergency Food and Gift Basket Support.

If anyone is interested in organizing a Team Volunteer project to assist Haven on the Queensway

in any way, please email aap.toronto.president@gmail.com.

All fees collected ($7 per person) for guests who attend our monthly program speaker series

throughout the season, is presented to a representative from our annual Charity of Choice at our

scheduled Toronto Charter Branch Annual General meeting in April.

Donations are welcome! Thank you for your continued support.

The Toronto Charter Branch and the Barrie Simcoe County Branch are

delighted to host the National Annual General Meeting (NAGM) in Niagara-

on-the-Lake May 29-June 1, 2019 at the Prince of Whales Hotel. Our full day

workshop will take place on May 30th with a great line-up of speakers - open

to all members and guests. A great opportunity to sit in on the National

Board meeting on Friday and attend our National AGM Saturday morning

followed by our CCAP graduate luncheon. Evening events are also being

organized to complete a full few days of networking, learning and having fun

all at the same time.

If you are planning to attend our Annual National event, please book your hotel room now as space

is limited. Guest room AAP booking code has been released to all members and guests under

separate cover.

We are currently also seeking sponsorship for this annual event, if you have any suggestions or

recommendations please forward to aap.toronto.president@gmail.com directly. A letter will be

forthcoming to assist with this request. Thank you.

We look forward to another successful NAGM event.

Registration is Now Open!!!

Program Corner

Administrative Professionals Conference of Canada

7

(Continued)

.

Project World - Business Analyst World,

Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, ON

(May 27-30, 2019)

Canadian Meetings and Events Expo Metro Toronto Convention Centre,

Toronto, ON August 13-14 2019,

Upcoming events

June 16-19, 2019 Westin Harbour Castle

Toronto, Ontario

APC Registration

1st Annual - Admins Rock  Conference

(The ARC Conference) Rhonda Scharf

April 24, 2019

AAP - National Annual General Meeting& Conference 2019,

Prince of Wales Hotel, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ontario

May 29 -June 1, 2019

Toronto Charter Branch annual general meeting Hot House Restaurant

Toronto, Ontario April 25, 2019

https://www.apccanada.com

https://www.pmbaconferences.com

https://www.adminsrock.com

https://www.cmeexpo.ca

Early Bird Registration Open

Early Bird Registration Open

Early Bird Registration Open

Early Bird Registration Open

Program Corner

8

(Continued)

Upcoming events

Register today!!!

Ann Binsted, President Executive Assistance & Worth Recruiting

1 King Street West, Suite 4800 Toronto, ON M5H 1A1

416-368-8700

Seeking "C" Level Position

“What the new year brings to you will depend a great

deal on what you bring to the new year”

– Vern McLellan

Career Coach Corner

9

The first time I heard the word “LinkedIn” was in

2009 when a social media savvy Administrative

Professional, said to me:  “There’s an exciting new

networking thing on the Internet and you should

link up with me!”.

I wasn’t too sure what to do, so I created a basic

account with just my name, title and one simple

line describing myself,  and just left it at that.  I

thought “Who cares!” It seemed totally

unimportant.

Fast-forward 10 years and there is almost not one

day that goes by that I don’t use LinkedIn. I use it

to keep in touch with former and current

colleagues, to seek short writing contracts, to post

articles I  have written about career planning, and

to read resources of interest sent to me by my

connections. Most of all, I use LinkedIn to research

almost everyone I meet.

I encourage the job seekers I coach to consider

getting linked with LinkedIn because it is

important. Statistics prove that about 90% of all

potential employers will check LinkedIn Profiles,

yet many people ask “Why do I need LinkedIn,

what do I put on it, and how do I use it?”

Why:  

LinkedIn provides anyone who is job searching

with an online platform which allows you to

create a professional Profile so you can promote

yourself into the workplace, and connect with

work opportunities. Having an account gives you

another way of being able to research

companies, recruiters and hiring managers

before submitting applications or showing up at

interviews.

LinkedIn switches your job search from

passively waiting for recruiters or employers to

answer your job applications, to one that is

proactive since you can reach out to them

directly. It also helps you to learn from, and to be

inspired, by others.  You can view people’s career

history and read their career path to see how

they managed to get to where they are today and

improve your knowledge of the sector you are

aiming toward.

For Administrative Professionals who are job

searching in 2019, LinkedIn is  just as important

as a resume.

What:

LinkedIn needs more than just your name and

title.  It requires time to prepare a tone and style

that represents your personality. Instead of it

being an online platform to repost your resume,

it is more like a 2019 version of a professional

promotional soapbox. It is a podium that allows

you to reflect your resume where you can tell the

same career story yet in a slightly different way.

LinkedIn: Why, What, and How

By Lisa Trudel

Career Coach Corner

10

A question that job seekers often ask is “What is

the biggest difference between a resume and

LinkedIn?”. The answer is the audience.

 Resumes are read by one employer or company,

and LinkedIn is read by the whole world. Thus

the words you use to write your summary section

have to be carefully crafted to consider this.

For LinkedIn beginners here are 8 basics to think

about when setting up your Profile:

1) Your name: be careful of your branding. Make

sure the name on your LinkedIn matches the

name on your resume.  For example, is it “Jane

Smith” or “Jane L. Smith” or “Janey Smith”?

 Make a decision about your branding.

2) Your title: this indicates the type of work you

are aiming toward.  It does not have to be the

exact title that you might have if you are

employed.  For example, when I worked as an

Administrative Assistant at George Brown

College, my official title was “Support Officer”

however my LinkedIn title could be

“Administrative Professional”.

3) Photo: use a clear head shot and be careful of

the background.  Experts state that your photo

should be 60% of the frame. 

LinkedIn: Why, What, and How

(Continued)

By Lisa Trudel

4) Summary or Background: this is the most

important part of LinkedIn. It is your “30-second

commercial” or “elevator speech” that should

capture the attention of the reader right away.

There is an ongoing debate about whether to

write summaries in the first person or third

person. There is no right or wrong; just choose

one style that suits your branding and

individuality. You can write 2 to 4 paragraphs or

you can use bullet points.  LinkedIn wizards state

that you should set a limit of 2,000 characters.

5) Experience: you only need to list your position

title and company name for this section, and the

dropdown menu will force you to put in the

months and years.  However, you do not have to

write all of the tasks you accomplished at each

job.  It is important to know that people read

differently online than on paper, so be careful not

to assume what is on your resume should be on

your LinkedIn.

6) Education: in addition to your college or

university degrees and diplomas, you can list

your professional development. For example, the

progress you are making toward obtaining your

CCAP Designation.

7) Recommendations: this is a section that truly

sets LinkedIn apart from resumes.  At the end of

some resumes, it might state “References

Available Upon Request”, and even though

recommendations will probably never replace

traditional references, they can provide a holistic

view of who you are. Try to have at least two

recommendations written by reliable people you

are connected with.

Career Coach Corner

11

8) Connections:  LinkedIn enthusiasts state you

should try to collect about 250 connections.  Be

careful who you connect with, and give yourself

permission to not connect with everyone who

asks.  You are allowed to click “ignore” instead of

“accept”. Start with trusted colleagues or friends

or family. It will be one or two of these

connections who you can eventually ask for a

recommendation.

How:

LinkedIn is now a common hiring platform that

both employers and employees use. Whether you

are a new graduate, or starting a new career, or

moving forward in your administrative

profession, LinkedIn gives you a starting place to

network with other professionals. 

As with all professional business dealings, be

aware of etiquette. For example, be polite,

respectful, and don’t broadcast un-professional

information relating to your personal life. Try to

be productive and think of LinkedIn as a way to

share resources.  Your Profile is your

professional space, and is more than a visual

alternative to the traditional resume. For

example, LinkedIn features continue to improve

and you can share photos, links and

presentations. Approximately 90% of what

people process is visual, and people process

visual information 60,000 times more quickly

than text, so be careful of what you share.  

LinkedIn: Why, What, and How

(Continued)

By Lisa Trudel

How you use LinkedIn will be up to you.  If

mention your link on your resume with your

other contact information, make sure that your

Profile is up-to-date and that you are ready for a

global audience.

In summary, LinkedIn uses the very best skills

that all Administrative Professionals have.  It

shows that you are adept in technology,

organized, and self-motivated.  It has improved

incredibly since 2009 when I first heard about it,

and will probably continue to be part of all job

searching essentials.

If you are job searching and what to learn more

about LinkedIn or resumes, contact the Centre

for Education and Training.  Locations are listed

at:  www.tcet.com

This article was submitted by Lisa Trudel, Career Specialist with the Centre for Education & Training. She works at their Parliament Employment Services location in the historic Cabbagetown district of downtown Toronto. She can be contacted at ltrudel@tcet.com

Reminders

12

Leave of Absence LOA - It is reminded that if you are planning a LOA (pregnancy/move, etc.) please

ensure that the proper form is completed. Email requests will no longer be accepted by the National

Board. Please connect with your Branch Membership Chair or Branch President - form to be found on our

website.

Annual Membership dues - reminder that if you miss a year of annual membership dues you will lose your

seniority as a member. As a CCAP graduate, a $75 fee for the year missed will be payable, as per our

Association policy.

CCAP Graduates - please be reminded to fill out your re certification forms with points collected as you

move through every three year periods. Forms also found on our website.

Guest Speakers  - Contact Information

Gloria Pierre Author, Speaker, Presenter, Coach

Clearly Speaking Info@clearlyspeaking.ca

416-756-4926

Gorett Reis Certified Coach & Speaker

Info@gorettreis.com 416-902-9722

national Reminders

Effective April 1, 2018 all credit card payments will include a 3% PayPal processing fee. This motion was

approved and completed in February 2018 at the 247th National Board meeting. "The membership

application form was already posted with this change so if you are sending out a membership application

form, please make sure it is the version from the website and not one you have saved to your system."

Any inquiries with regard to marketing and the use of our new logos need to be addressed to the

marketing team.  aap.national.marketing@gmail.com.

Sibt Kazmi, M.A.* Advisor, SunLife Financial

Phone: 905-763-8188 Email: Sibt.Kazmi@sunlife.com

Lisa Trudel, Career Specialist, Employment Services

Centre for Education & Training P: 416 964-9797 ext.5406

ltrudel@tcet.com W: www.tcet.com

Jason Wilson, Executive Vice President, Chief

Information Officer, Samuel, Son & Co., Limited.

Jason.wilson@samuel.com

Shirley Kelly MSc. PMP CRISC CISA SMC AEC

Project Management Professional shirley_m_kelly@yahoo.com

416 709 2333

Christina Dcosta, B.Comm Certified Applied Mindfulness

Meditation Specialist christinac.dcosta@gmail.com

Liz Akey, CMP EMA Marketing Ltd Executive Director PH: 905:338-6222

Email: liz@emamarketing.ca Website: www.emamarketing.ca

Patrick Doyle (905) 831-0362

www.patdoyle.ca patrick.doyle@proforma.com

Jackie Monahan, Executive Assistant to the Dean

Rotman School of Management t. 416 978 3422 c. 416 807 2475

www.rotman.utoronto.ca

Association of Administrative Professionals Program calendar 2018-2019

13

Enquiries & RSVP's to aap.toronto.secretary @gmail.com

Members are FREE, unless cost indicated.  Non-members = $7 Donation

The Association of

Administrative

Professionals is a

Canadian chartered non-

profit professional

organization founded in

April 1951.  The Association

is proactive in encouraging

its members to further

their education and

enhance their career

opportunities by

continuously upgrading

their skills and

professionalism. 

Association members are

encouraged to obtain the

Canadian Certified

Administrative

Professional (CCAP)

designation.  The

Canadian Certified

Administrative

Professional Program

consists of three

compulsory courses and

four elective courses

offered at eighteen post

secondary institutions

across Canada.  The first

graduating class was in

May 1960.  By June 2018,

the CCAP designation was

awarded to our 760+

graduates.

Contacts

Toronto Charter Branch Mailing Address:

1005-36 East Street Oakville, Ontario

L6L 5K2 registration-toronto@aaa.ca

Feel free to contact us

with your comments or

suggestions.

submission dates for the connection

Publishing Schedule:

Coming Soon...

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Association of Administrative Professionals